May 11, 2024
Samsung Galaxy S23 in cream standing next to a Trader Sam's christmas yule tiki mug.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Developments

It’s loopy to suppose that 2023 will likely be wrapping up in just some weeks from now, and a brand new 12 months will likely be upon us quicker than we predict. One of many first main flagship telephones that got here out in 2023 was the Samsung Galaxy S23, which launched in February alongside its Galaxy S23 Plus and Galaxy S23 Extremely siblings.

I gave the Samsung Galaxy S23 a constructive evaluation when it first got here out, however there have been lots of latest flagship telephones from opponents since then. Samsung can be anticipated to disclose its successor, the Galaxy S24 lineup, early in 2024.

So, does the Samsung Galaxy S23 nonetheless maintain up in late 2023?

Probably the greatest small telephones you should purchase

Samsung Galaxy S23 held in hand against green floral backdrop
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Developments

Today, evidently each main smartphone you see or hear about is a huge slab. It’s laborious to discover a model that makes moderately sized compact telephones anymore. In case you worth small telephones that you should use simply with one hand, the Samsung Galaxy S23 stays among the best round.

Since Samsung makes use of aluminum and glass for the S23, it’s fairly light-weight, clocking in at underneath 6 ounces. The show can be solely 6.1 inches, which is about as small because it will get these days. Which means it’s pretty manageable to make use of with one hand, although buttons within the higher corners are nonetheless a little bit of a attain when you’ve got small fingers like me. However once more, it’s extra doable than on, say, the large 6.8-inch display of the S23 Extremely.

Nonetheless, although I recognize the matte glass on the again of the S23, it’s nonetheless a bit too slippery for my liking. I feel Apple did the matte glass higher with the iPhone 15’s “color-infused” glass, which can be matte, however isn’t as laborious to carry with out a case.

However general, holding and utilizing the S23 has been snug in comparison with plenty of different telephones I’ve tried this 12 months. The small and compact dimension is unquestionably welcome amongst a sea of large glass slabs, and actually, I want there have been extra telephones this dimension (and weight).

The S23 remains to be blazing quick and highly effective

Samsung Galaxy S23 displaying apps on screen
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Developments

I had used the Galaxy S23 for a number of months early on this 12 months, however as soon as extra telephones got here out, the S23 form of fell by the wayside for me. The final time I used the S23 was round Might, so selecting it again up for this end-of-year revisit is the primary time I’ve used it in months.

And you already know what? I’m a bit stunned at how briskly and snappy the S23 nonetheless feels all these months later. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is already a really succesful chip for flagship telephones, however with this optimized model particularly made for Samsung Galaxy gadgets, there’s no holding it again. At instances, it even feels quicker than my iPhone 15 Professional.

Similar to after I first reviewed the telephone, the Galaxy S23 doesn’t give me any lag or uneven body charges. Apps open up immediately, switching between a number of apps is quick and seamless, and any rendering with picture edits occurs in seconds.

For the common one who simply desires a superb Android telephone, the S23 is precisely that — and extra. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy nonetheless packs fairly a punch, and it’s nice to see how properly it’s nonetheless holding up practically a 12 months later.

Tremendous-easy customization

A Samsung Galaxy S23 with a Christmas theme applied.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Developments

As I’ve been utilizing the Galaxy S23 once more, I additionally remembered how simple it’s to alter the entire aesthetic of the machine with themes from the Galaxy Themes retailer. I’m the form of one who likes to personalize my machine, and although it’s potential on just about any Android machine, I similar to the simplicity of it with Samsung. I can do it proper from the Settings, and as soon as I apply a theme, I don’t really want to do a lot else with it.

That is the form of function that I want Apple would add in some unspecified time in the future. Since iOS 14 allowed customers to make use of customized app icons by Shortcuts with out jailbreaking, and residential display widgets allow you to get inventive along with your aesthetics, theming grew to become has turn into extra of a actuality on iOS. But it surely’s nonetheless a tedious course of and fewer than ultimate. I want Apple would take a lesson from Samsung and add app icons and themes in its personal digital storefront; I’d spend a superb chunk of cash on it.

And even if there are similarities between Samsung and Apple in the case of customizing the lock display, Samsung nonetheless beats Apple. Why? As a result of you possibly can change the lock display shortcuts to one thing else moreover the flashlight and digital camera if you wish to. I’m shocked that Apple hasn’t given us that capability but with the Motion button on the iPhone 15 Professional.

An entry-level telephone with a triple-lens digital camera system

Christine holding her Samsung Galaxy S23 with cameras facing out
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Developments

Regardless of the Galaxy S23 being the entry-level mannequin within the lineup, Samsung nonetheless gave it a triple-lens digital camera system with a telephoto sensor. In comparison with opponents like Google and Apple, which solely supply a dual-camera system on their base fashions, Samsung provides you a bit extra bang to your buck.

One of many the reason why I often purchase the iPhone Professional fashions is as a result of I wish to have a telephoto digital camera with optical zoom capabilities. However the issue is that it’s costlier to purchase the Professional, and sometimes, Apple saves the fascinating colours for the common iPhone. It’s the identical with Google and the Pixel lineup.

I recognize the truth that Samsung no less than features a telephoto lens within the base mannequin, so even those that go for probably the most inexpensive or smallest S23 can nonetheless have good optical zoom. After all, the 200MP principal digital camera and 10x optical zoom are reserved for the S23 Extremely, but it surely’s nonetheless good to have a base mannequin machine with a triple-lens digital camera.

My drawback with taking images with the S23 lies with Samsung’s tendency to have oversaturated colours and brightness. Although it really works for some conditions, different instances it simply appears too synthetic for my tastes. I’m hoping that Samsung tones down the saturation and vibrancy ranges with the upcoming S24 subsequent 12 months.

Nonetheless an amazing telephone at the moment

Samsung Galaxy S23 back glass
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Developments

Despite the fact that we’re anticipating the S24 to drop in early 2024, the Galaxy S23 remains to be an amazing purchase if you need a small, however highly effective Android telephone that can final you a number of years. It’s particularly good if you need one thing that provides you some good bang to your buck.

Although it launched with a price ticket of $800, you’ll find it for much less fairly simply nowadays. In case you discover it for lower than the unique retail value, then it’s an amazing worth and one I’d nonetheless fortunately advocate at the moment.

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